Long Beach City Councilmembers heard updates and held discussion on a wide array of important issues facing the City today. Let’s dive right in, shall we?
City Attorney Robert Shannon last night informed the Council that a lawsuit brought on by nearly 800 LBPD officers has already cost $895,000 in legal fees and will cost the City well over $1 million when all is said and done. The case is creeping towards a November 10 court date, and Shannon last night asked for and received an additional $200,000 to pay a legal team for their services. The officers are alleging that they should be paid for dressing and undressing, as well as assembling and removing their equipment, among other things. They are seeking, Shannon said, more than ten million dollars collectively.
We will have much more information on this case, coming soon.
The Council also discussed the possibility of creating a “Rainy Day” fund proposed by Vice Mayor Val Lerch, who suggested setting aside 50% of the City’s surplus in years that revenue is more than 5% higher than the previous year’s. Those funds could then be withdrawn in emergencies, when times are tough. The idea received some opposition in its execution, though support of the idea in spirit, and the Council will revisit the issue at a later unnamed date.
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